New home for historic Leeds church

A city centre church is to be given a new lease of life under plans to relocate and double its size - providing more space for its community support centres.

Bridge Street Pentecostal Church will move to a new 1,000-seat church just off Burmantofts and Rider Street next year after receiving funds through congregation members and developer Hammerson.

The relocation comes in preparation for work to begin on phase two of Hammerson’s Victoria Gate development later this year.

Reverend Steve Reilly said the new church will provide greater space for its parent and children’s clubs, youth facilities and a new cafe as well as for partner organisations including food banks, English language lessons and debt counselling.

He said: “We’re very to be moving because we have struggled for space for a number of years. Before Hammerson came on the scene, we were looking for more space anyway, so this has happened at the right time for us. It’s fantastic.”

He added “With more than 40 nationalities represented at Bridge Street Church, our support services are making a real difference to people and the new site will enable us to expand these.

Construction is due to be completed March 2016 and the current church, on Bridge Street, will remain open until then.

Hammerson’s development manager James Hepburn said: “The church provides services that are vital for so many people living in the area and we’re happy to be able to support this project and make a difference to such a strong church with such a great legacy.”

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